Major relief package announced for residents of Rawalpindi Cantonment

Residents of Rawalpindi Cantonment have received a major relief package, with the government announcing a series of reductions and changes to taxes and water services. The package, unveiled by Malik Ibrar Ahmed, Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Division, follows talks between public representatives and a committee from the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB).

Key provisions include lowering the residential house tax from 30% to 20%, introducing three installments for tax payments, and waiving surcharges on past arrears under the Amendment Act 2023. Additionally, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, emphasized the importance of this relief package in addressing the public's concerns over excessive municipal taxes.

The package also ensures that water from Daducha Dam will supply 15 million gallons per day to the cantonment, backed by a Rs100 million grant to transition to solar power for tubewells and water storage facilities. The changes come after extensive negotiations between the cantonment residents and the RCB, leading to the revision of the triennial tax hike from 30% to 20% for residential properties, while commercial properties maintain a 30% rate.

This package, which was greeted with gratitude by the residents, aims to enhance the cantonment's infrastructure and civic amenities, including reduced sanitation rates and revised water charges.